Alendronic acid (eg Fosamax, Binosto)

What is alendronic acid used for?

Treating osteoporosis in women who have passed the menopause. Alendronic acid reduces the risk of breaking a bone, including fractures of the spine or hip.

Treating osteoporosis in men. Alendronic reduces the risk of breaking a bone in the spine.

Preventing and treating osteoporosis in people who are having long-term treatment with corticosteroids such as prednisolone.

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How does alendronic acid work?

Alendronic acid is a type of medicine called a bisphosphonate. It works by preventing the breakdown of bone.

Bone is not a static structure. It actually undergoes continual turnover, with cells called osteoblasts and osteoclasts continuously removing and depositing calcium and phophorous, stored in a protein network that makes up the structure of the bone. Old bone is broken down by the osteoclasts and new bone is formed by the osteoblasts.

Alendronic acid works by binding very tightly to the bone and preventing the calcium being removed by the osteoclasts. This stops the osteoclasts from breaking down the bone, which helps to keep the bones strong and less likely to break.

How long do I need to take alendronic acid for?

The length of time you need to take alendronic acid varies from person to person. Your doctor will usually want to re-assess your fracture risk after three to five years of treatment, and based on this assessment will decide if they want you to continue taking it or stop treatment.

If you're taking alendronic acid because you're having long-term corticosteroid treatment, you'll usually need to keep taking it as long as you keep taking the corticosteroid.

What medicines contain alendronic acid?

Alendronic acid is a generic medicine available as 10mg (once daily) tablets and 70mg (once weekly) tablets and liquid. It's also available under the following brand names:

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